Our Mission
The Nebraska Asthma Coalition strives to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by asthma in our state. We work to accomplish our mission through our core values of collaboration, inclusivity, data-driven decision making and commitment to addressing health disparities.
Asthma and Indoor Air Quality
Joel Van De Graaff, M.D. Assistant Professor, Division of Allergy and Immunology, UNMC
Indoor pollutants can play a significant role in exacerbating asthma. Indoor air quality tends to be overlooked, despite the fact that people spend about 90% of their time indoors on average. Indoor pollutant levels have dropped dramatically since the Clean Air Act of 1970, but may still be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. There are no federal guidelines on indoor air pollution, which makes it important that individuals be aware of potential sources of pollutants in their homes. Indoor air pollutants can be divided into two categories: organic and inorganic.
Organic pollutants include pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches, and mold. 50% of US homes have at least one pet. The allergen can be found in saliva, skin, and hair follicles. Washing pets and keeping the animals out of the bedroom can help. Dust mites are microscopic insects that are found in all Nebraska homes. They live in soft materials such as carpets, bedding, and plush toys. Cleaning these objects frequently (once weekly) can help. Impermeable mattress and pillow covers can be applied to the beds of allergic individuals. Cockroach allergy can be a major trigger of asthma. It is important to remove easily accessible sources of food and water for cockroaches. Traps and pest control measures should be taken when cockroaches have been seen in the home. Mold spores can act as a trigger of asthma in both allergic and non-allergic individuals. Addressing any sources of water damage is paramount to controlling mold exposure. Dehumidifiers can also help, especially during the humid summer months. Cleaning with a simple detergent and water is generally sufficient to kill mold; however, without adequate water mitigation, the mold will return.
Inorganic pollutants include cigarette smoke, gas stoves, and cleaning supplies. In 2022, 13% of adults smoked in Nebraska, compared to 14% nationwide. Secondhand smoke is a major trigger of asthma. Marijuana and vaping can also exacerbate asthma. Quitting is the only reliable way to mitigate this risk. Smoking outside is not sufficient, as smoking will linger on clothes and can still exacerbate asthma. Half of US homes use gas stoves, which can be a source of harmful chemicals. Proper ventilation is important in reducing the harmful effects. Cleaning supplies can be a source of harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These include benzene, toluene, xylenes, and formaldehyde, among others. Steps that can reduce exposure include using low-VOC supplies, unscented and non-aerosolized products. Keeping proper ventilation and wearing a mask during cleaning can also be helpful
Improving indoor air quality is a key step in managing asthma and preventing flare-ups. This can be achieved through several measures. Avoiding smoking, using HEPA air purifiers, maintaining low humidity levels, regularly cleaning carpets and bedding, choosing low-VOC or fragrance-free cleaning supplies, and ensuring adequate ventilation are all ways to reduce indoor air pollutants. Evaluation for allergies such as pet dander, dust mite, and cockroaches may also improve awareness of potential triggers. Using these techniques can help improve asthma control.
